Koltergeist

Episode SummaryOn an ordinary spring evening, a little girl walked to the corner store to buy a pencil and was never seen alive again. The last person to see her was someone she was supposed to trust-a man in uniform patrolling the small town of Mascotte, Fl. This is the story of Teresa Mae McAbee, who was brutalized and murdered in 1987 by a small-town cop named James Duckett.Episode sources are available upon request.

In this episode, we delve into the infamous “Suitcase Murder” case of Melanie McGuire, a New Jersey fertility clinic nurse convicted of killing her husband, Bill McGuire, in 2004. After shooting him and dismembering his body, Melanie placed the remains into suitcases that later washed up in the Chesapeake Bay. Despite her claims of innocence, a mountain of circumstantial evidence—including surveillance footage, suspicious internet searches, and forensic links—led to her conviction. We explore the complex double life she was living and the chilling details that unraveled the truth behind the crime.References:https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/melanie-mcguire-suitcase-killerhttps://www.amazon.com/Have-Kill-Melanie-McGuire-Gruesome/dp/B08ZDFPFHB

In 2015, one of the most horrifying home invasion murders occurred in our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. The murder of Savopolous family and their housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroashocked the nation, due to the brutality and senselessness of the crime. This story is a harsh reminder that no amount of money or prestige can guarantee safety from violence, whether random attacks or premeditated crimes. References: DC Mansion Murders: Read the Savopoulos Family's Touching ObituaryMay 21, 2015, page 3 - The Call-Leader at Newspapers.comAfter mansion killings verdict, a look at evidence jury considered (PHOTOS) - WTOP NewsSearch Warrant Mansion Murder Case 061015 | PDFDC mansion murders: A look at the evidence that helped convict the killer - ABC NewsProtective Intelligence Case Study: The D.C. Mansion Murders - TorchStone Global‘Mansion Murders’: Daron Wint Killed Captive Family, Burned Home | Crime NewsSuspect in 2015 quadruple murder in Washington, DC mansion convicted of 20 counts, including murder, kidnapping - ABC NewsDC Mansion Murders: Read the Savopoulos Family's Touching ObituaryMay 21, 2015, page 3 - The Call-Leader at Newspapers.comAfter mansion killings verdict, a look at evidence jury considered (PHOTOS) - WTOP NewsDC mansion murders: A look at the evidence that helped convict the killer - ABC News 

In this episode, we explore two shocking cases of fetal abduction—where pregnant women were targeted by women desperate to steal their unborn babies. First, we recount the 2015 attack on Michelle Wilkins, who was lured by Dynel Lane under the guise of a Craigslist baby clothes sale, only to be brutally attacked and have her baby cut from her womb. Then, we examine the infamous case of Lisa Montgomery, who strangled Bobbie Jo Stinnett in 2004 and stole her baby, later attempting to pass the child off as her own. Both stories reveal the darkest extremes of obsession—and the strength of the survivors and families left behind.References:https://www.justice.gov/file/262956/dl?inline=https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/01/07/lisa-montgomery-federal-execution-bobbie-jo-stinnett-baby-victim-what-we-know/6550809002/https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/dynel-lane-convicted-in-mother-to-be-stabbing-trial/https://www.denverpost.com/2016/04/29/judge-sentences-dynel-lane-to-100-years-for-attack/

Kelsey Ann Smith DOB May 3, 1989On a warm summer evening in 2007, a young woman ran a quick errand in broad daylight-and met a terrible fate. Through the investigation, glimpses of Kelsey’s final moments emerged, painting a chilling picture of an ordinary day turned nightmare. In the end, her story becomes a haunting reminder of how fragile life can be—and how danger can lurk where we least expect it.References:Teen Went Shopping for an Anniversary Gift, Was Killed by Man Lurking in Parking LotJun 07, 2007, page 4 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.comJul 24, 2008, page 4 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.comThe Kelsey Smith Foundation ® - KelseysArmy.orgA Kansas Teen Was Stalked Through A Target Store Before Her Abduction And Murder | Investigation DiscoveryThe full episode of ID's See No Evil documentary on Kelsey's case is available to watch here.Prepared Testimony 4/13/2016 

In 1989, a 17-year-old rising senior was enjoying the last of the lazy days of summer, no doubt excitedly looking forward to her last year of high school. When she suddenly goes missing, the small town of Millersberg, PA is thrust into the center of a mystery that lasts decades, casting suspicion on it’s residents and shady outsiders, while exposing intimate secrets that were never meant to be told. This episode discusses the disappearance of Tracy Marie Kroh, following the investigation from where it started in 1989, along the twists and turns in the road, and ending where the case stands today-with a new prime suspect.References:Tracy Kroh cold-case suspect claims he’s actually ‘the guy that solved the case’ - pennlive.comAug 07, 2022, page A10 - The Patriot-News at Newspapers.comOct 08, 2023, page A8 - The Patriot-News at Newspapers.comMay 07, 1994, page 7 - The Times Leader at Newspapers.comPolice finish demolition of home believed to be involved in Tracy Kroh's disappearance; no new evidence found | fox43.com

In this episode of Koltergeist, we explore the mysterious disappearance of Chris Smith, a young entrepreneur who seemingly set off on a worldwide adventure in 2010—only for his loved ones to later suspect something was terribly wrong. His business partner, Ed Shin, claimed Chris had sold his share of their company and was living a carefree life abroad, but as investigators dug deeper, troubling inconsistencies emerged. What really happened to Chris Smith? Join us as we unravel a case filled with deception, greed, and unanswered questions.Sources:https://www.oxygen.com/dateline-unforgettable/crime-news/ed-shin-murder-chris-smith-800-exchangehttps://abcnews.go.com/US/convicted-killer-posed-dead-business-partner-bigger-talk/story?id=68404439https://www.gq.com/story/chris-smith-vacation-mysteryhttps://entertainmentnow.com/news/ed-shin-chris-smith-5-fast-facts-you-need-to-know/

On a beautiful summer afternoon in 2003, a promising young life was tragically cut short by a monster who remained elusive for over 2 decades. Rebecca Park, a medical student and Lt in the US Army, set out on a run through the trails of Fairmount park in Philadelphia only to fall prey to a villain who raped, slashed, and essentially terrorized an entire city before finally being apprehended in 2023.We also tell the story of an under-appreciated warrior by the name of Marty Goddard who transformed sexual assault cases, and we give you some must-know safety tips to protect yourself on every run.References:Kennedy, P. (2025). The secret history of the rape kit: A true crime story. Vintage Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Jul 26, 2003, page A01 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.comDec 20, 2023, page 4 - Philadelphia Daily News at Newspapers.comDec 20, 2023, page A12 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.comJun 03, 2004, page B01 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.comSep 21, 2007, page B01 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.comJust Short of Goal, a Vigorous Life Ends - The Washington PostRunner Safety Tips - Road Runners Club of AmericaSelf Defense Tools | Best Self Defense Tools For Women & Runners GoGuarded.comAug 27, 2021, page B4 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.comFeb 13, 1976, page 7 - The Mercury at Newspapers.com